Loose tongue… (Another faux-pas of a Foreign Service Spouse!!!)

Laos was not exactly an assignment for me since I was home, and I didn't depend on the American Community, and what was in itself a great thing.  Afghanistan was our first post, and back in 1976, spouses were not allowed to work.  Therefore, it was a lot of gatherings, shopping, book club meetings, thrift shop visits, traveling around the country (which was a good thing), cooking sessions, and of course parties. Those parties that ended in the morning, and I remember having to carry my shoes home I danced all night. Then there were the "dreaded" luncheons.

I was in one of those dreaded luncheons at my neighbor's home.  The Ambassador and the Director’s wives were there.  I was about 26 years old, young, hot-headed, and quite obnoxious, “the hoity-toity princess” with a very loose mouth, I might add.  Now that I think about it, I was not sure why they invited me to begin with.  I was not always a pleasant person.  And I never understood why these women always compared their husband’s rank; and, to my dismay, they still do.  Anyway, in those days, I was the youngest woman of the American community and their husbands all outranked mine.  The hostess asked me, “What rank is Barnett.”  I said that he is an FS-5, and she said, “Oh Larry is already a 4.”  (Our ranking system goes backward, the lower the number you have, the higher the rank).  I was so annoyed and I blurted out without thinking, “Oh well, you know how to kiss ass better than I do.”  As soon as it came out, I knew I was in trouble.  I stood up, picked up my purse, and I looked at the two older ladies and said, “Mrs. E, Mrs. B, I am sorry but my brain and my tongue forgot to coordinate again, I apologize profusely,” and I left.  Well, it wasn’t all that bad since I received two invitations from both ladies to have tea with them.  I have not improved since, and I am so glad.  I still blurt out stuff, lots and lots of stuff!!!